SACO — The moratorium on new medical marijuana growing facilities has been lifted as a new ordinance governing the businesses has been established.

The City Council voted unanimously Monday night, with Councilor David Precourt absent, to restrict medical marijuana growing facilities to the I-1 and I-2 zones in the city’s industrial area and that they be located at least 1,000 feet away from a day care center or school.

The new location restrictions do not apply to home-based medical marijuana growing facilities.

In June, the council enacted a six-month moratorium on new medical marijuana growing facilities to allow time to research and develop zoning regulations.

Medical marijuana facilities will be allowed to have up to five medical marijuana growers, or caregivers, the state maximum. By state law, caregivers can grow up to six plants each for up to five patients.

City staff had recommended the city limit facilities to three growers, but the council voted to allow facilities to accommodate up to five growers. Councilor William Doyle made the suggestion that the city raise the limit to five so as not to limit the profit for such facilities.

Covenants in some locations of the I-1 zone, which received federal grants that restrict such operations, will overrule local zoning ordinances.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.